Following another successful Military Appreciation Day event, the Lee University baseball team was able to present another large check to the local Disabled American Veterans chapter.
Thanks to fundraising efforts by the Flames and support from sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union, Zaxby’s, Sports Clips, Chick-fil-A, the Cleveland Daily Banner, Jenkins, Bank of Cleveland, Larry Hill Ford, Dick’s Graphics, and T.G (Travis Godfrey) Sales, a check for $10,000 was presented to DAV Chapter 25 Commander Bill Gray on Monday. This marked the second time in five years that Lee elected to support the DAV.
“It will all go toward veteran’s assistance in Bradley County,” Gray declared.
“Our money stays right here.”
The DAV has recently completed building a new pavillion at Fort Hill Cemetery, and has built a wheelchair ramp, given out two electric wheelchairs and paid some grocery bills for local veterans who were struggling.
“If you’re a veteran in Bradley County and you need help, you contact us and we’ll take care of you,” Gray said.
Knowing that the money raised stays here locally is something that Lee baseball coach Mark Brew especially appreciates.
“The thing I like most is that you’ll see it directly impact our community, and that’s one of the No. 1 goals for our event — that the funds help this community,” Brew commented.
“It’s a great organization — the last time we gave money to the DAV we were very impressed with how they used it and the things they were able to do for veterans in the community.”
Brew added that this year’s fundraiser had turned out to be the baseball program’s second largest fundraising effort.
The DAV Commander said the $10,000 donation will be stretched out to benefit area veterans.
“This $10,000 is a year and a half worth of benefits. We’ll stretch it and are very frugal,” Gray stated.
The DAV also provides support for veterans in Polk and Meigs County, since they have no local chapter of their own. Gray pointed out that in a 50-mile radius, there are some 35,000 veterans and 13,000 disabled veterans.
For all of the sponsors who were able to attend the check presentation, the theme of supporting area veterans was extremely important.
“Veterans are a priority for the Bank of Cleveland and always have been,” said Christy Goza of Bank of Cleveland.
“Sometimes we feel like they are forgotten, and they need to be remembered on a daily basis.”
Dick’s Graphics and Printing handled all of the team’s printing needs for Military Appreciation Day, which according to Joey Callahan, is something they’re proud to do.
“The military is something that a lot of people don’t recognize, especially the veterans. I think it’s very important what they’re doing here, to bring that into the spotlight.”
Fundraising efforts were also aided by a special fundraising night at both Cleveland Zaxby’s restaurants.
“On the Thursday before the event, both of our stores in Cleveland will donate 10 percent of their sales from 5 to 8 p.m. The team comes out, does a wing-eating contest and the radio station is there as well. It’s always a really good event with a big turnout,” explained area manager Dylan Thompson.
“We’re always big on giving back to the veterans and showing appreciation for everything they’ve done.”
Jenkins Restaurant and Deli owners Kay and Don Cowan provided 250 $10 gift certificates for the event, as well as offering discounts for veterans.
“All I can say is God bless America, and we wouldn’t be here without our military,” Kay declared.
“We’re both strong supporters of the military and (try to help) in anyway we can with the veterans,” Don added.